In summary
July looks set to be an interesting month as the nation waits anxiously to see who will triumph. Naturally, I’m talking about the football, but let’s not forget there's also a General Election!
Admittedly, the leaders’ debates have proved more entertaining than England thus far, so if you’ve still appetite for ‘politics’, take a look at the FSB manifesto in the link below to discover our key asks for the business community.
Had enough of politics (or football)? We’re busy through July with events – scroll down 👇🏻!
For a 1-2-1 chat about any issue affecting your business e-mail me on [email protected] to arrange.
Featured news and events
General Election - 4 Jul
FSB published it’s General Election Small Business Manifesto on June 7 after Rishi Sunak announced a snap election for July 4. If you want to read what FSB is calling for from the next Government, download a copy HERE.
Growth Hub AI Chatbot
The Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub has become the first state-funded business support organisation in the country to invest in a dedicated AI chatbot to help businesses find the help they need. The chatbot uses generative AI technology to provide instant access to comprehensive, easily accessible information on a wide range of business issues 24/7. Give it a whirl HERE.
Network MediaCity
The next of our ever-popular events takes place on July 17th, an evening of informal networking, with drinks, canapes and stunning views across MediaCity! You'll be networking with dozens of fellow business owners over a glass of wine, a beer (or tea or coffee) – all courtesy of our generous hosts at Salford Uni’s Business School. We also have three ‘one minute’ speaker slots for businesses who’d like to pitch themselves to the room – but in just 60 seconds! Email [email protected] if you’re interested. This is a free event so please do share the invite on social media, and feel free to bring along a colleague or business associate – as with all networking ‘the more the merrier’. All welcome.
Book your free delegate place now >
In other news
Base rate plateau risks stifling growth
The Bank of England’s decision in June to hold the base rate at 5.25% drew criticism from the FSB’s National Chairman, Martin McTague, who warned the lack of action was now hampering growth in the UK economy.
“Yet again, the MPC has opted to stick instead of twist, a move which was widely predicted but which is no less disappointing,” he said. “The high plateau rates are currently stuck at is now undermining growth as small firms struggle to access affordable finance to help them expand.
“Inflation is now back on target and holding off a cut in the base rate until a future date risks snuffing out tentative signs of a recovery in GDP, with the flat growth in April a warning sign. Even with services inflation coming in higher than expected yesterday, the danger posed by stifling growth must not be ignored, as doing so will have potentially devastating consequences for small businesses.
“Small firms will be hoping the tipping point for a cut will be reached sooner rather than later, to help them invest and scale up,” he added.
New east-west rail plans pick up pace
A new Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board has been established to maximise the economic and social benefits of a new railway between the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
On the 200th anniversary of the formation of the original Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company, which oversaw the construction of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway, the Mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region launched the Board and set out their preferred options for improvements to rail infrastructure linking the North West’s two largest city-regions.
The plans include transformational investment in city centre stations in Liverpool and a modern, underground station at Manchester Piccadilly. A new, high-speed rail line would run through new stations at Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Airport, connecting the Investment Zones in Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester via prime development sites.
Following the scrapping of the northern legs of HS2, the government invited the two Mayors to advise on the best solution for improved connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme.
Natwest Accelerator
The NatWest Accelerator is now open in three hubs in the North, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. It supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their businesses to the next level.
Through their six month fully funded Accelerator they wrap around support and
expertise, removing barriers to help businesses grow.
Still in the news
Deputy mayor confirmed
Kate Green has committed to another term of office as Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire. Kate, who was appointed in January 2023, resumes the role after May’s local elections returned Andy Burnham to office for another four years.
More Events...
Plenty to keep you busy this summer, we have: How to…Start Selling on Amazon for anyone looking to set up a side hustle or expand/diversify their existing selling model; Pure Networking – our ever-popular monthly virtual networking event – takes place next on 24 July HERE; and there’s Network Altrincham HERE at its new home at Rasassi Restaurant at 21 The Downs, on 16 July - FSB members can use the discount code TBNSM for 50% off the ticket price.
More news and activity near you
- Lancashire and Cumbria
- Merseyside and Cheshire
- More from FSB North West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Greater Manchester is Robert Downes. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBManchester
- follow us on Facebook: @Greater.Manchester
- follow Rob on LinkedIn: @robertdownesfsbmanchester